Ponca City High School Wildcat of the Week #3 is Senior Burt Miner

The Heather Cannon Wildcat of the Week #3 for the 2022-2023 School Year was presented to Po-Hi Senior Burt Miner.

Superintendent Shelley Arrott said, “Burt Miner is a true leader of the Class of 2023! For the 2nd year in a row, he serves as captain of the Wildcat Cross-Country Team, is a leader in his Strength & Conditioning Class, and strives to do his best in his rigorous core class schedule at PO-HI. Burt also serves in the Internship Program and actually interns with the Cross-Country Team. He helps with Jr. High and also has additional duties to support the varsity team.”

“I like to personalize the Wildcat of the Week presentations and I reach out to teachers and coaches to find out specifics about the nominee. There was one word that EVERYONE said about Burt. Each teacher or coach said that Burt is an amazing LEADER! He leads by example, not by his words, and he is great role model for students, young and old, to look up to. Not only is he a true leader, but Burt is that student who is very conscientious and strives for improvement, not only in sports, but also in the classroom. Mrs. Marsh-Smith mentioned that Burt always ask questions about his grades so that he understand his strengths and weaknesses, which allows him to grow in his academic learning. Coach Wickert stated that since day one, Burt has maintained consistent effort and focus while in Strength & Conditioning class. He says it is clear Burt’s attitude and overall mindset is to improve each day. Coach Landes added that he is kind and generous, and she has been blessed to have been his coach for so many years and his teacher since elementary school.”

“Burt, it was an honor to come to your Strength & Conditioning class to present this award to you. When I walked in the door I could see the effort, focus, and determination on your face. I have never presented to a Wildcat of the Week whose teachers were so uniform in their responses. You are a hard worker, a leader, and no matter what you do, you continually strive to grow as a student, athlete, and as a person. All those who know you cannot think of a more deserving person to be Wildcat of the Week. Even during the presentation, you were focused and engaged, and I could see on the faces of your classmates that they have huge admiration for you.”

“I mentioned that little Wildcat eyes are always watching the older Wildcats. I am so proud our students have you as a role model to look up to. I know you are a camp counselor at Camp Crossway, and Ms. Pipestem tells me that you are a like a magnet for the younger children; they are drawn to you. They admire you and want to be around you because you are so friendly and respectful to all. I also understand you participate in a couple of different styles of dancing at pow wows and the elementary students love to see you participate in the yearly Native American student dancer pow wows at their schools.”

“I am so excited to know that you want to be a Cross Country Coach! Obviously, you are dedicated to the sport and I know Coach Landes has made an impact on your life. I can tell you that you have made an impact on her life too! Interning in Cross-Country has helped you develop your love for the sport. Even though you are undecided on where you will go to college, you will be successful wherever you decide to attend. I want you to return to PCPS to teach and coach; you will make a positive impact on so many students and I want you to impact many Wildcats to come.”

“Burt, you are a class act! You represent the Wildcat of Ponca City and PCPS with dignity and pride. Your family, your school, and your community are so very proud of you!”

The “Wildcat of the Week” Award is sponsored by Heather Cannon Honda. The award is for a deserving high school student who follows the characteristics of the Wildcat Way which are Work Ethic, Improve, Leadership, Discipline, Compete, Attitude, and Teamwork. These characteristics may be exhibited in any setting and is open to all Ponca City High School students.

Several Ponca City patrons are involved in making the “Wildcat of the Week” a reality. These partners include Tina Christian, Senator Bill Coleman – TEAM Radio, Heather Cannon – Heather Cannon Honda, Danny’s BBQ Head Quarters, and Tyndall Dentistry.

Each week a new “Wildcat of the Week” will be selected from the nominations of TEAM Radio listeners and viewers. Winners receive a free BBQ sandwich meal from Danny’s BBQ Head Quarters and a T-shirt from Boss Custom Tees. PCPS will make the presentation weekly at Po-Hi. If you know an outstanding student at Po-Hi who is living the Wildcat Way, please use the form in one of these links https://www.poncacitynow.com//32875-2/, or visit www.PoncaCityNow.com, www.PoHiSports.com, or www.pcps.us.